Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Why this market is moving now
- Thacker Pass construction is funded by a DOE loan, with $1.209 billion advanced by June 2026.
- Lithium prices fell 31% in 2025 on average, which squeezes project economics.
- Import reliance above 50% keeps supply security on the policy agenda.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial-scale US lithium production in 2025 came from a single continental brine operation in Nevada; the USGS withholds production figures. | 1 commercial-scale operation | 2025 | U.S. Geological Survey |
| US imports of lithium were an estimated 3,800 metric tons (lithium content) in 2025, up from 3,020 in 2024. | 3,800 metric tons | 2025 | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Net import reliance was more than 50% of US apparent consumption in 2025. | >50 % | 2025 | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Chile supplied 54% and Argentina 43% of US lithium imports over 2021-24. | 54 % | 2024 | U.S. Geological Survey |
| The annual average US price of battery-grade lithium carbonate was $9,000 per metric ton in 2025, 31% below 2024. | 9,000 USD per metric ton | 2025 | U.S. Geological Survey |
| US lithium reserves are 4.4 million metric tons of lithium content, against 37 million tons worldwide. | 4,400,000 metric tons | 2025 | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Global lithium mine production, excluding the US, rose 31% to about 290,000 tons in 2025 from 222,000 tons in 2024. | 290,000 metric tons (global, excl. US) | 2025 | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Thacker Pass's DOE loan was cut from $2.26 billion to an expected $2.23 billion, and advances totalled $1.209 billion to 30 June 2026. | 2.23 billion USD | 2026 | Lithium Americas Corp. |
| Lithium Americas is targeting mechanical completion of the Thacker Pass Phase 1 processing plant in late 2027. | Late 2027 mechanical completion target | 2027 | Lithium Americas Corp. |
| Lithium Americas had capitalized $1.8 billion of Thacker Pass construction capital and other project costs by 30 June 2026. | 1.8 billion USD | 2026 | Lithium Americas Corp. |
| Albemarle announced a nearly $150 million DOE grant and a $90 million Department of Defense award for the Kings Mountain mine restart; $28.3 million had been received by mid-2026. | 150 million USD (DOE grant) | 2026 | Albemarle Corporation |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- U.S. Geological Survey: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Lithium (2026-02)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
Commercial-scale lithium production in the United States was from a continental brine operation in Nevada.
- Figure 2
Imports for consumption 2,640 3,260 3,390 3,020 3,800
- Figure 3
Net import reliance as a percentage of apparent consumption >25 >25 >50 >50 >50
- Figure 4
Import Sources (2021–24): Chile, 54%; Argentina, 43%; and other, 3%.
- Figure 5
the annual average U.S. lithium carbonate price was $9,000 per ton in 2025, a decrease of 31% from that in 2024.
- Figure 6
United States W W 4,400,000
- Figure 7
worldwide lithium production in 2025 increased by 31% to approximately 290,000 tons from 222,000 tons in 2024
- Figure 1
- Lithium Americas Corp.: Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 (2026-08-13)
Quoted lines
- Figure 8
with advances totaling $1.209 billion to June 30, 2026.
- Figure 9
targeting mechanical completion in late 2027.
- Figure 10
$1.8 billion of construction capital and other project-related costs had been capitalized
- Figure 8
- Albemarle Corporation: Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 (2026-08-05)
Quoted lines
- Figure 11
a nearly $150 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and a $90 million critical materials award from the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Figure 11
Companies to watch
Lithium Americas
Developing Thacker Pass, Nevada, with a DOE loan; Phase 1 mechanical completion targeted for late 2027.
Albemarle
Restarting the Kings Mountain mine with a DOE grant of nearly $150 million and a $90 million DoD award.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the United States market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
Every assumption and source, listed
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Frequently asked questions
Does the US produce lithium?
Yes, from one continental brine operation in Nevada, according to the USGS. The agency withholds production figures to protect company data.
How much lithium does the US import?
The USGS estimates 3,800 metric tons of lithium content were imported in 2025. Net import reliance was more than 50% of apparent consumption.
Where does US lithium come from?
Chile supplied 54% and Argentina 43% of US lithium imports over 2021-24, according to the USGS.
What is the DOE loan for Thacker Pass?
The DOE loan was cut from $2.26 billion to an expected $2.23 billion. Lithium Americas had drawn $1.209 billion by 30 June 2026.
When will Thacker Pass start up?
Lithium Americas targets mechanical completion of the Phase 1 processing plant in late 2027, according to its second-quarter 2026 10-Q.
What is the price of lithium carbonate?
The USGS puts the 2025 average US battery-grade lithium carbonate price at $9,000 per metric ton, down 31% from 2024.
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